If Jesus Bought Our Peace, Why Is It So Hard To Find?

If Jesus Bought Our Peace

In this world of chaos, every “expert” from Oprah to Dr. Phil, to every counseling service on the planet, wants to offer the “secret to achieving peace.”  It’s no secret that the scriptures offer us peace.

John 16:33 -I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16 ~ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Isaiah 26:3 ~ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Matthew 5:9 ~ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

I often wonder, if Jesus bought our peace, why is it a secret, and why is it so hard to find?

How To Find Inner Peace

In the article “How to Find Your Inner Peace,” the Kentucky Counseling Center has some suggestions:

1. Spend Time in Nature

2. Meditate

3. Be Grateful

4. Take Responsibility for Your Actions

5. Don’t Let Your Past Mistakes Define You

6. Love Yourself

7. Practice Acceptance and Contentment

8. Declutter

These are all excellent suggestions that I have tried on multiple occasions. Numbers 5, 6, and … ahem … 8, are still a little difficult for me. But that list leaves out one method that my husband, my students, and many researchers have discovered to be quite effective–music.

The Power of Music

According to Ensiklomusika in “The Power of Music for Your Peace of Mind” (June 15, 2021), “UK.-based neuroscientists have conducted research, which suggests music can deliver your mind to a total state of relaxation in spite of existing pressure. The study was conducted on participants to solve highly challenging puzzles as quickly as possible, and the challenges had undeniably triggered a certain level of stress” for which music provided relief.

I recently drove alone from St. Clairsville, Ohio to Auburn, Alabama. Many people told me I was crazy. Honestly, I had no desire to spend 12 plus hours alone in the car, and the thought of that drive did trigger a level of stress in me. However, for the first time with my updated “technology,” I could play music through Spotify. I could stream the music that made me feel comfortable, and I must say, it was a very peaceful trip (even through Atlanta!).

Just for kicks and giggles, here is a list of the 18 Best Songs About Peace and Making a Better World:

• 1. ‘What’s Going On’ – Marvin Gaye
• 2. ‘Blowing in the Wind’ – Bob Dylan
• 3. ‘Imagine’ – John Lennon
• 4. ‘Pipes of Peace’ – Paul McCartney
• 5. ‘Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)’ – George Harrison
• 6. ‘One Love / People Get Ready’ – Bob Marley and the Wailers
• 7. ‘Peacekeeper’ – Fleetwood Mac
• 8. ‘I Wish You Peace’ – The Eagles
• 9. ‘All You Need is Love’ – The Beatles
• 10. ‘Peace Train’ – Cat Stevens
• 11. ‘Zombie’ – The Cranberries
• 12. ‘Where Is The Love?’ – Black Eyed Peas
• 13. ‘For What It’s Worth’ – Buffalo Springfield
• 14. ‘Star Spangled Banner’ – Jimi Hendrix
• 15. ‘Fussing and Fighting’ – Bob Marley
• 16. ‘Holiday’ – Green Day
• 17. ‘Peace’ – Taylor Swift
• 18. ‘World Peace is None of Your Business’ – Morrissey

The following “20 Songs to Bring You Joy and Peace” are listed on the blog ,Darling. 

1. Come On Up to the House — Joseph

2. Wild World — Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

3. Crowded Table — The Highwomen

4. You’ll Never Walk Alone — Marcus Mumford

5. Rainbow — Kacey Musgraves

6. Blue Skies — Noah And The Whale

7. Front Porch — Joy William

8. Light On — Maggie Rogers

9. The Bones — Maren Morris

10.  River — Leon Bridges

11. Love Is Light — Yola

12. Redemption — Dermot Kennedy

13. Weary — Solange

14. Halfway There — ROZES

15. Joy of Nothing — Foy Vance

16. Morning Sun — Melody Gardot

17. Ooh Child — MILCK

18. Mercy Now — Mary Gauthier

19. I’ll Keep You Safe — Sleeping At Last

20. I’ll Find You — Lecrae, Tori Kelly

The Power of Christian Music

I chose to listen to contemporary Christian music. I would be remiss not to add that the music sparked my response of prayer and worship more than a couple times. I did not feel alone in that car, and the time passed quickly, like when you spend time with a beloved friend. I guess that is exactly what was happening.

“Come, Jesus, Come,” “Firm Foundation,” “I Speak Jesus,” “You’ve Already Won,” etc. played and I sang, lifted my hands (one at a time; the other was on the steering wheel), and prayed. It was great! Here’s a link if you want to try it for yourself:

https://www.praisecharts.com/song-lists/worship-songs-about-peace

Jesus Bought Our Peace

Maybe if finding peace is a struggle, we’re trying too hard. Jesus didn’t make it a secret, and He didn’t make it a treasure hunt; He made it a gift to accept and experience. We may misplace the gift from time to time, but we can always find it in Him.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27)..

Bottom line, Jesus paid the price for our inner peace. “The chastisement of our peace was upon Him (Isaiah 53:5),” and He has many methods that He can use to present the gift.. I’m just really glad music is one of them. I believe He would sing with the Highwomen:

 “I want a house with a crowded table

And a place by the fire for everyone

Let us take on the world while we’re young and able

And bring us back together when the day is done.”

God bless you, and may you find your gift of peace.